What size are my stock tires?
The size of your stock tires is an important factor to consider when maintaining or upgrading your vehicle. Your stock tires are the original tires that came installed on your car or truck when it was new. Knowing the exact size of your stock tires can help you make informed decisions about replacement tires or modifications.
Identifying Your Stock Tire Size
The size of your stock tires is typically printed on the sidewall of the tire, usually in a format like "P215/55R17". This code provides the following information:
- P - Indicates a passenger vehicle tire
- 215 - The tire's width in millimeters
- 55 - The aspect ratio, which is the ratio of the tire's sidewall height to the tread width
- R - Indicates a radial tire construction
- 17 - The wheel diameter in inches that the tire is designed to fit
You can also find your stock tire size information in your vehicle's owner's manual or by checking the driver's side door jamb sticker.
Importance of Knowing Your Stock Tire Size
Knowing the size of your stock tires is crucial for several reasons:
- Replacement Tires: When it's time to replace your tires, you'll need to buy tires that match your stock size to ensure proper fit and performance.
- Modifications: If you're considering upgrading to larger or smaller tires, you'll need to know your stock tire size to determine the appropriate size for your vehicle.
- Speedometer Accuracy: Changing tire size can affect your vehicle's speedometer and odometer readings, so it's important to maintain the correct tire size to ensure accurate readings.
By understanding your stock tire size, you can make informed decisions about maintaining and modifying your vehicle to ensure optimal performance, safety, and compliance with local regulations.
Is a 275 tire the same as a 33?
No, a "275 tire" is not the same as a "33-inch tire" because the numbers represent different measurements in a tire's size. However, a specific metric size, such as a 275/60R20, can be nearly equivalent to a 33-inch diameter tire. The term "33" is a common, non-metric measurement for a tire's approximate overall diameter.
Tire size explained
- Metric size (e.g., 275/60R20): This is a precise measurement with three parts:
- 275: The width of the tire in millimeters.
- 60: The aspect ratio, which is the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width (60% of 275mm).
- R20: The radial construction and the diameter of the wheel in inches.
- Non-metric size (e.g., 33x12.5R20): This is a common, more direct way to refer to a tire's approximate overall diameter:
- 33: The approximate total height of the tire in inches.
- 12.5: The width of the tire in inches.
- R20: The radial construction and the diameter of the wheel in inches.
When they are similar
- A 275/60R20 tire is a close equivalent to a 33-inch tire, with a total diameter of approximately 33 inches.
- Other metric sizes, like a 285/75R16, also result in a diameter close to 33 inches.
Why it matters
- Compatibility: Always check the exact metric size of a tire to ensure it will fit your vehicle and is compatible with your suspension and wheel size.
- Speedometer accuracy: Changing your tire diameter significantly can cause your speedometer to be inaccurate. For example, larger tires will make you appear to be driving faster than you actually are.
Can I look up tire size by VIN number?
No, a VIN number does not typically contain tire size information directly, but you can use a VIN lookup tool on many automotive websites to find the original equipment (OE) tire size for your vehicle's specific make, model, and trim. Other reliable methods include checking the sticker on your driver's side door jamb, your owner's manual, or the sidewall of your current tires.
Ways to find your tire size
- Use a VIN lookup tool: Many websites, such as AutoZone, CARFAX, and Discount Tire, have VIN decoders that will provide your vehicle's specific trim and tire size.
- Check the driver's side door jamb: This is the most common place to find a sticker with the original equipment tire size and recommended pressure.
- Read your owner's manual: Your vehicle's manual will contain the recommended tire size for your specific model and trim.
- Look at your current tires: The size is printed on the sidewall of your current tires, but be aware this may not be the original size if the tires have been changed.
- Search online for your vehicle's make, model, and trim: This will help you find the correct specifications, as different trims of the same car can have different tire sizes.
What does 4.80 4.00 mean?
The numbers 4.80/4.00-8 read like this: 4.80" is the tire width, 4.00" is the tire section height (from the inside of the donut hole to the outside) and the 8" is the wheel diameter. Finally, the numbers 4.80-8 read like this: 4.80" is the tire width and "8 is the wheel diameter.
How do I know my stock tire size?
Find the information in your vehicle owner's manual in the glove compartment or on the tire information sticker on your driver's side door. Usually those elements contain all the information related to your tire size and specifications as well as the appropriate tire pressure.
